15 March 2020
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
These are certainly unsettled times, with a public health-related school closure being unchartered territory. Thank you for your cooperation with our faculty and staff on Friday and for your anticipated partnership as we embark on the upcoming weeks of e-Learning. At this point, our schools will be closed for a minimum of two (2) weeks. When we learn more about the closure’s timeline, I will be sure to communicate that with you.
During this public health-related school closure, your child(ren) is/are encouraged to practice social distancing. Social distancing is defined as a way to keep people from gathering in groups, interacting closely or frequently enough to spread an infectious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls for social distancing to be maintained at approximately six (6) feet from others whenever possible. Social distancing is critical because, as we have learned, even if you or your child(ren) do not show symptoms of COVID-19, you could be carriers of the virus to others and/or the virus could take time to develop and present itself. Social distancing is strongly encouraged for everyone to help “flatten the curve,” a phrase many physicians are using that means to help slow the spread of the coronavirus so that people who get severe cases of the virus will be able to get the care they require, when they need it.
We know that social distancing and the change in the school’s schedule and routine may be difficult for some children, maybe not at first but as the days go on. If you find that your child(ren) would like to talk with someone at the school, please know that we are always available. Our principals, counselors, and nurses always will speak with and support students. Please email any of us, and we will get back to you quickly. Also, I will be in the Board Office every day from 8:00 AM – 12 noon.
The New Jersey Association of Principals and Supervisors (NJPSA) shared the linked video below from Dr. Rosen, a New Jersey pediatrician who speaks about supporting the mental well-being as well as the physical well-being during this time: Coping with Coronavirus: Message from a Pediatrician
The Bergen County Department of Health (BCDOH) shared the following resources, which may be of interest to you:
As we prepare for e-Learning, below are some reminders:
When will e-Learning take place?
- Beginning Tuesday, 17 March, our teachers will be posting e-Learning Activities.
- The teachers will be posting the activities by 8:30 AM every day.
- The learning is asynchronous, meaning that the students do not have to log in at 8:30 AM. We understand that your at-home and/or childcare schedule requires us to be flexible.
How will my child find out about the e-Learning Activities, and what if my child needs help?
- To find the e-Learning Activities, go to: oldtappanschools.org
- Then, you will select the school from the top left of the site.
- Then, you will click on the tab “Teacher Webpages.”
- Find the teacher and click on the name.
- Once on the teacher’s website, click on the “e-Learning Activities” tab.
- Follow the directions.
- If your child has any questions about the activities, please email the teacher or the principal. They will be checking e-mails and will respond.
What if my child is sick and cannot complete the e-Learning Activities?
- If your child is too ill to complete the e-Learning Activities on any given day, please call the attendance line for your child’s school.
- These e-Learning Days are school days, so we will follow our regular absence procedures.
Are you looking for some other educational activity ideas?
If you are looking for some educational experiences that you and your family might enjoy during the school closure, try some virtual museum tours. The links below will take you on an Arctic tour, on a moon tour, to NASA, to the American Museum of Natural History, The Franklin Institute, The Louvre, the Uffizi Gallery, the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and to many more places!
World Class Museums You Can Visit Online
Education World: Take a Museum Field Trip Without Leaving Your Classroom
Educational Technology: 20 Wonderful Online Museums and Sites
I will continue to communicate with you, especially, as new information becomes available to us and to share new resources. We truly appreciate your collaboration and patience, as we launch this alternate means of instruction.
May you, your family, our students, and our faculty and staff be well.
Respectfully,
Danielle M. Da Giau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Old Tappan Public School District